'Idol' star Casey James makes Amarillo debut with Christmas show

Though he placed third on the ninth season of “American Idol,” country singer Casey James knows the show comes with its pluses and minuses.

“You take the negative with the positive, or vice versa,” James said. “I would not have the opportunities I’ve got if it hadn’t been for the show, but at the same time ... it’s one of the things that made me work so hard.”

In fact, James, who’ll perform Saturday with JB & The Moonshine Band at Midnight Rodeo, 4400 S. Georgia St., said he was happy that it took a couple of years after his “Idol” stint for his self-titled debut album to be released.

“I’ve spent so long in my life pursuing music and, it sounds funny, but sometimes there can be a little negative light on what you come out with as an artist from a TV show,” James said. “I just wanted to make a good album and it really took me that long ... but looking back, I’m definitely not ever going to think, ‘I wish I had come out with it quicker.’”

James said pulling back from the “Idol” spotlight helped refocus attention on his long career on the road as a Texas-based regional artist.

“Granted, I probably lost a lot of the heat coming off the show, but you build it back in a real way and people appreciate it more,” he said.

“At least, I like to think so. Otherwise, I made a huge mistake,” he said, chuckling.

The singer has just begun work on a follow-up album, but he’s trying to take in the benefits of an album that peaked at No. 2 after its March debut.

“Things have changed a lot, and I’m trying to stay present and really appreciate where I am,” James said. “Sometimes, you get really ramped up on where you want to go instead of where you’re at.”

James said he realizes he’s “really lucky to have the opportunity to do every little thing that I wanted to do. I’m really blessed. It’s not every day that happens.”

And he knows who to thank for that: His mother, who suggested he audition for “Idol” in the first place.

“One day, Mom came up to me and said, ‘You know, there’s nothing wrong with doing what you’re doing. ... You’re not going to have the ability to support a family, not going to have all the things you should experience and have,’” he said.

Now, James said he realizes how right she was.

“I’m very blessed to know that if something goes wrong, like if Mom gets sick, I can help her out,” he said. “To make a long story short, always mind your mother.”